Got one headlamp replaced, now car looks odd. Any way to clean up old one?
#1
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Lexus Test Driver
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From: South Jersey
Got one headlamp replaced, now car looks odd. Any way to clean up old one?
Hello, so I recently got my passenger headlamp replaced with a new one. Now the car looks odd because one is old and one is brand new, as you can tell in the attached picture. I've tried the Mothers headlight polish (with the ball attached to a drill) but that haven't work out.
Someone mentioned that I can use fine grit (like 2000 grit) and wetsand the headlamp? Or anyone have other alternatives? It bothers me a lot. I rather have 2 old headlamp.
Someone mentioned that I can use fine grit (like 2000 grit) and wetsand the headlamp? Or anyone have other alternatives? It bothers me a lot. I rather have 2 old headlamp.
#2
It's just oxidation for the most part on your old headlamp. You can use fine grit and wet sand it down and repolish the headlamp. You should get some pretty good results based on my experiences in the past.
#4
Agreed, a pro will do the job right, including a clear coat seal to prevent it from going bad again in a year. If you're determined to DIY, go to youtube for several how to videos.
#7
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#8
I think Meguiars has the best restoration kit out there. I've had astounding results with it. It will not match the brand new one %100, but with the right job and the right sealing, it will look darn close.
http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...storation-kit/
If your headlight covers are cracked, kind of like a spider web looking crack, then you'd need new covers. You can find them at Central Pine, California. They can get it from Japan.
I'm planning on getting a pair after my car's build settles down a bit.
http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...storation-kit/
If your headlight covers are cracked, kind of like a spider web looking crack, then you'd need new covers. You can find them at Central Pine, California. They can get it from Japan.
I'm planning on getting a pair after my car's build settles down a bit.
#9
I used a kit from Amazon called Wipe New. Comes with a tiny wet sanding pad and a packet of some mysterious substance that polishes the plastic with one quick wipe after sanding. I think it worked pretty dang good.
Before
after
Before
after
#11
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Lexus Test Driver
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From: South Jersey
Update:
So here's a little update. I wet sanded (600, 800, 1500, 2500) the headlight and painted it with Dupli-Color Clear Laquer (it was what I saw on a youtube video). The clear coat didn't dry on as clear as I'd hope, as the headlight is not clear. It's kinda blurry so the light. I will try to get a hold of an electric polisher and try to polish it up.
Here are some pics.
Here are some notes for the pictures below:
Front view (completed) | Before | After wet sanding
After clear coat | New passenger headlight
So here's a little update. I wet sanded (600, 800, 1500, 2500) the headlight and painted it with Dupli-Color Clear Laquer (it was what I saw on a youtube video). The clear coat didn't dry on as clear as I'd hope, as the headlight is not clear. It's kinda blurry so the light. I will try to get a hold of an electric polisher and try to polish it up.
Here are some pics.
Here are some notes for the pictures below:
Front view (completed) | Before | After wet sanding
After clear coat | New passenger headlight
Last edited by mikevanle; 08-03-15 at 02:05 PM.
#12
Look good. I would not clear coat afterwards. Clear actually reflect light off the lens and they don't come clear coated from the factory. I use this product and it has worked really good. No reflection and it has preserved the lens for good while now. Eventually you will have to go back and clean it up again should have no need to sand it. Just polish.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 08-03-15 at 12:52 PM.
#13
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Lexus Test Driver
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From: South Jersey
Look good. I would not clear coat afterwards. Clear actually reflect light off the lens and they don't come clear coated from the factory. I use this product and it has worked really good. No reflection and it has preserved the lens for good while now. Eventually you will have to go back and clean it up again should have no need to sand it. Just polish.
Amazon.com: Blue Magic 730-6 Headlight Lens Sealer - 8 oz.: Automotive
Amazon.com: Blue Magic 730-6 Headlight Lens Sealer - 8 oz.: Automotive
Pretty much needs a clear coat. I just gotta find the right combination to make it transparent like the youtube videos make it out to be.
#15
You need to polish the lenses out after sanding them, just clear coating them after that is whats giving you your cloudy appearance.
Done properly, it should look pretty darn close to the new lamp.
Done properly, it should look pretty darn close to the new lamp.